The Supreme Court of India has dismissed an appeal challenging restrictions imposed by village councils in Chhattisgarh that bar the entry of Christian missionaries and converts into certain tribal areas.
On Feb. 16, the court declined to interfere with an October 2025 order of the Chhattisgarh High Court, which had directed the petitioner to seek remedy under the state’s Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Rules (PESA), governing tribal self-administration.
The case arose after hoardings were erected in several villages in Kanker district in July 2025, prohibiting the entry of pastors and Christians who had converted from other religions. Village councils said the move aimed to prevent alleged forced or induced conversions.
Petitioner Digbal Tandi, a Protestant Christian, argued that the restrictions violated constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and free movement. His counsel contended that adverse observations about missionary activity were made without evidence.
The Supreme Court, however, advised the petitioner to approach appropriate statutory authorities under the PESA framework.
Christian leaders and rights advocates expressed concern over the ruling, saying constitutional protections should not be curtailed without proof of wrongdoing. They noted that similar restrictions have reportedly spread to at least 19 villages in Chhattisgarh and surfaced in parts of Odisha and Jharkhand. According to the 2011 Census, Christians constitute about 2.3 percent of India’s population.
